It appears that I have become a gadget lover. I’d rather think of myself as a organizational strategist. I am seeking to create an environment that is efficient and simplistic while utilizing time management as a tool to keep on target and moving forward. Well … it sounded nice anyway. Ha!
Since I have been slacking in my blogging efforts, I have two favorites to add tonight. One is a remnant from 2016 that is actually guiding my 2017 goals. I searched for 9 months for a planner/calendar/journal that could serve my needs in one. If all three could be in one book that would be the icing on the cake. I did find a smaller one that I used for six months and I learned a lot about myself what I really need. I need a journal, a calendar and planner and I needed in the 8.5 x 11 inch instead of 8 x 5. The planning section was only 2 pages. Not nearly enough room to plan a year and track my goals and success. I was able to see that I really was a journalist and loved to reflect. When I reflect I am able to patterns of behaviors that are contributing to where I currently am on my journey. As a Christian, I love having nuggets of Truth written to encourage and guide me daily. So yes, it would be a miracle to find something that could contain all that. In a feeble google search, I typed for ‘best planners for 2017’ and up popped Passion Planner as one of the selections. I indulged and it was exactly what I was looking for and from an organization that was giving back in its own unique way. I ordered one in late October or early November. It has been transformational. The Passion Planner has been a great asset to helping me stay organized and on task with my goals from daily to monthly to yearly to three years even unto a lifetime.
For some reason, Teal and Turquoise have been my favorite colors for a five years now. So I was thrilled to see this planner in that color. I am also very creative and wanted to be able to personalize my weeks. But I have seen many in the #pashfam who have exceeded my efforts of creativeness. This post by no means gives you the full details of the abilities of this planner. So, I suppose you will have to do a google search of Passion Planner or just do the hashtags and see what happens. I’M SO THRILLED ….
My second favorite thing would be my Instant Pot!! Got one of these for Christmas from my son (#bestson2016) and fell in love! I make my red beans and rice from scratch and it always takes all day to cook my beans in a crockpot or overnight. Today, after cleaning my beans and letting them soak in water for 30 minutes (found this step to be unnecessary), my beans with ham bone, smoked turkey, onion, bell pepper, bay leaf and spices were done in 50 minutes!! I did not prepare the rice in there -this time. A few nights later my son made pulled pork from a Boston Butt that was lost in the bottom of the freezer. It was so tender and flavorful and ready in just 70 minutes. Below is my husband surveying the beans when we first opened the pot to see the results.
I got the largest size which is great for leftovers and when we have family gatherings. Now that we all get off work and home around 6pm, we don’t have worry about waiting to cook a pot of chili or chicken. I can have a homemade hearty meal plus leftovers on the table within an hour. This will free up lots of time to blog and quilt. I just use my planner to stay on target each day. Although it is just January, I am off to a great start. I have even carved time to start practicing Pilates!
Happy New Year!
Pure & Lovely Gifts 